As the number of people living with dementia continues to rise across Australia, governments and community organisations have been investing in research and support programs tailored to multicultural communities. These initiatives aim to provide more comprehensive support for people living with dementia and the families who care for them.
In response to this growing need, CASS has launched the Respite Clubhouse Project, a program offering people living with dementia and their carers from culturally and linguistically diverse communities a free three-day experience, with optional overnight accommodation.
Following the successful completion of a pilot program for the Chinese community, a second pilot designed specifically for the Vietnamese community was recently delivered with equally positive outcomes.
Vivian, in our Multicultural Home Ageing Services unit, shared insights into the program and the impact it has had on participants.
“The project is built around the Clubhouse Care model, which places people at the centre of care,” Vivian explained. “It focuses on respecting each person’s individuality and promotes a non-intrusive, supportive approach. This philosophy guides every aspect of the program, ensuring that people living with dementia are not viewed simply as recipients of care, but as valued members of the community with strengths, abilities and the right to participate meaningfully in everyday life.”
Creative sessions such as arts and crafts, alongside practical activities including biscuit baking, provided opportunities for self-expression and imagination while stimulating the senses and supporting fine motor skills in a warm and familiar environment.
“These activities may seem simple, but they can play an important role in evoking positive emotions, stimulating memories and fostering a sense of achievement,” Vivian said.
The program also included a visit to CASS Asquith Residential Aged Care Facility, giving participants and their carers the opportunity to explore a residential aged care setting and the available services and care options.
“This helped reduce some of the anxiety and uncertainty that people often feel when thinking about residential care,” Vivian noted. “It also built greater confidence and trust in the support services available to them.”
Another highlight of the program was a partnership with Dementia Australia, which delivered an immersive learning session using virtual reality (VR) technology. Through this experience, carers were able to experience simulated day-to-day situations from the perspective of a person living with dementia.
“The VR experience deepened carers’ understanding and empathy,” Vivian explained. “It also provided practical strategies and skills that they can use to better support their loved ones at home.”
Social connection and physical wellbeing were also key components of the program. Group activities and gentle exercise sessions encouraged participants to interact, build friendships and stay active, while also supporting cognitive function and emotional health.
“For many people living with dementia, social isolation can be one of the greatest challenges. The Respite Clubhouse created a safe, welcoming and culturally responsive environment where participants could connect with others who shared similar life experiences, helping to reduce feelings of loneliness and exclusion,” said Vivian.
“The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive,” Vivian continued. “One attendee remarked that they had ‘eaten well, slept well and felt at ease throughout the program.’ Equally important was the opportunity to spend time with others who shared their language and culture, creating a sense of understanding and acceptance that is often difficult to find. For many participants, this feeling of belonging proved just as important as the activities themselves.
Reflecting on the program’s success, Vivian said, “The Respite Clubhouse Project has delivered significant benefits for the Vietnamese community. It was a unique and meaningful experience that supported participants’ physical and emotional wellbeing while strengthening social connections and independence. We hope to expand the program to other multicultural communities in the future, so that more families can benefit from this valuable support.”